> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hostcloud.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Buy and install a paid SSL certificate

> Order a paid SSL certificate from HostCloud and get it installed on your website.

Every site on HostCloud hosting gets a free SSL certificate. A paid certificate adds extras, such as checks on your company, a warranty, or a trust seal for your site. This guide shows you how to buy one and get it installed.

## Do you need a paid certificate?

| Type | What's checked | Good for |
| - | - | - |
| **Free AutoSSL** | That you control the domain | Most websites and blogs. See [Free SSL with AutoSSL](/ssl/free-autossl.md) |
| **Domain validated (DV)** | That you control the domain | Sites that want a warranty or trust seal |
| **Organisation validated (OV)** | Your domain and your company's details | Businesses that want visitors to see who runs the site |
| **Extended validation (EV)** | Your domain and a thorough company check | Banks, payment sites and larger businesses |
| **Wildcard** | Covers every subdomain, such as `shop.` and `blog.` | Sites with many subdomains |

## Buy a certificate

**1. Choose a certificate**

In the Client Area, open **Website & Security → SSL Certificates**, choose a certificate, and complete checkout.

**2. Configure it**

After payment, click **Services**, open the certificate, and follow the steps to configure it. You'll enter the domain and, for OV and EV certificates, your company details.

**3. Complete validation**

The certificate authority checks that you control the domain, usually by sending an approval email to an address on the domain (such as `admin@yourdomain.com`), or by asking you to add a DNS record or upload a file. OV and EV certificates also include checks on your company, which can take a few days.

## Install the certificate

You can have us install it, or do it yourself.

**We install it**

Once validation is complete, [open a Technical Support ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) with your domain name, and ask us to install your certificate.

**Install it yourself in cPanel**

**1. Get your certificate files**

When the certificate is issued, you'll receive the certificate (`.crt`) and the CA bundle. You also need the private key that was created with your certificate request (CSR).

**2. Open SSL/TLS Certificates**

[Log in to cPanel](/cpanel/log-in-to-cpanel.md), type **SSL/TLS Certificates** in the **Search Tools** box and open it.

**3. Install it**

Choose the option to install a certificate for a website, select your domain, and paste the certificate, private key and CA bundle into their boxes. Then install.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Keep your private key secret. Never paste it into an email or a public website. If you think it's been exposed, ask for the certificate to be reissued.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Paid SSL certificates aren't refundable. See [Refund policy](/billing/refund-policy.md).

After installing, test your site in a browser, then [force HTTPS](/ssl/force-https.md) if you haven't already.

Still stuck? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) with your domain name and the certificate you bought.


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